the 9-to-5 nomad's guide to solo travel
WHERE TO STAY
top neighborhoods for solo travelers & first-time visitors
SEARCH TOP HOTELS & HOSTELS FOR SOLO TRAVELERS
playa fundadores
Playa Fundadores is a great choice for those who want a lively and action-packed beach experience in Playa del Carmen. Situated smack dab in the center of Playa del Carmen, and its calm waters make it a great spot for swimming and watersports.
downtown
The downtown area of Playa del Carmen is lively and vibrant, with a mix of hotels, hostels, shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Staying here puts you close to Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida), which is a pedestrian street lined with shops, bars, and eateries - and steps from the beach.
WHERE TO PLAY
Top Nightlife Hotspots, Beach Clubs & Bars
Main Nightlife District: Fifth Avenue
lido beach club
Location: Gumbet
About: DJ's, Beach Club, Alora by Moon Night clu
Deck 5 Pool and Skybar
Location: Gumbet
About: DJ's, Beach Club, Alora by Moon Night clu
mamitas beach club
Location: Gumbet
About: DJ's, Beach Club, Alora by Moon Night clu
coralina daylight club
Location: Gumbet
About: DJ's, Beach Club, Alora by Moon Night clu
fives rooftop
Location: Gumbet
About: Rooftop Lounge
zenzi beach bar
Location: Gumbet
About: DJ's, Beach Club, Alora by Moon Night clu
mandarino beach club
Location: Gumbet
About: Beach Club
playa martina beach club
Location: Gumbet
About: DJ's, Beach Club, Alora by Moon Night clu
patio 8
Location: Gumbet
About: DJ's, Beach Club, Alora by Moon Night clu
what to do
top attractions, day trips & adventures
Yax-Muul
Yax-Muul is not just a cenote, it's a beautiful ecological park located about 40 minutes from Playa Del Carmen. The park itself offers a Mayan ritual and two crystal-clear underground cenotes: Yax-Muul and Sac Tuunich. The park is located about 8 kilometers north of the Tulum Archaeological Zone, at kilometer 241 of federal highway 307 Cancun-Chetumal. There is a small parking lot available at the park entrance.
Sian Ka'an
Biosphere Reserve
Explore the stunning Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast reserve protects an incredible diversity of ecosystems, including jungles, mangroves, wetlands, and beaches. You can take a boat tour through the mangroves, spot wildlife like crocodiles and manatees, and go snorkeling along the coral reef.
Cenote azul
This cenote is a true hidden gem, located about a 20-minute drive from Playa del Carmen. Unlike Cenote Azul, it's a partially closed cenote, with sunlight filtering through the opening above, creating a mystical atmosphere. The cenote has a shallow area perfect for swimming and a deeper section ideal for snorkeling or diving.
day trip to cozumel
Cozumel is world-renowned for its stunning coral reefs teeming with colorful fish and marine life. San Miguel, Cozumel's main town, offers a charming atmosphere with colorful buildings, shops, and restaurants. Cozumel also has a rich Mayan history. San Gervasio is the largest Mayan archaeological site on the island.
off the beaten path
hidden gems beyond the popular tourist attractions
tequila tour in
mayan jungle
Combine your love for tequila with an adventure in the Mayan jungle. This unique tour takes you off the beaten path to a local tequila distillery. Here, you'll witness the traditional process of tequila making, from the agave harvesting to the distillation. You'll also have the opportunity to taste different tequilas produced on-site, often paired with delicious Mayan cuisine.
dinner in underground cave
Alux Restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience in a natural cave setting. The beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, combined with artful lighting, create a magical atmosphere. The restaurant features Mayan and Mexican cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Note: it is a fine-dining establishment, and the price point reflects that.
aktun chen
natural park
Aktun Chen Natural Park is a hidden gem located about 40 minutes north of Playa del Carmen, in the heart of the Riviera Maya. This 400-acre ecological reserve offers a unique opportunity to explore the Mayan jungle, swim in refreshing cenotes, and learn about the region's history and culture.
Agua Azul Waterfall
This is a series of cascading waterfalls located near the town of Mahahual, about a 3-hour drive from Playa del Carmen. The turquoise waters surrounded by lush jungle create a breathtaking scene. You can swim in the shallow areas under the waterfalls, but be aware that the currents can be strong in some areas.